Memphis Grizzlies Rookies Must Keep Stepping Up As Playoffs Near

The Memphis Grizzlies are fighting for playoff positioning and Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells rank among their most important players.

Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles as Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (14) defends during the first quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The NBA Playoffs are right around the corner, but there is still a lot to decide in the final regular season games of the 2024-25 campaign. Specifically for the Memphis Grizzlies, who can finish anywhere from the No. 4 seed to the NBA Play-In tournament fighting for its playoff lives in the week before Round 1 begins.

Memphis is spearheaded by Ja Morant, who has bounced in and out of the Beale Street Ballers lineup this season due to injury. But also a new coach pacing the sidelines. One constant has been the leaning on rookies to help its attempts at winning.

Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells have been stellar in their respective roles for Memphis. Sure, it has not been perfect, but the ability to impact winning for a still 44-32 team is impressive for first year prospects.

Edey was grabbed with the No. 9 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a class lamented for a lack of talent and Wells was had at the No. 39 pick (ninth in the second-round) on day two.

Despite the 134-125 loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies played its two rookies 30-plus minutes.

Edey turned in a double-double that featured 10 points, 16 rebounds, one assist and four blocks on seven shot attempts from the floor. Wells posted five points, four rebounds and dished an assist to go along with a steal.

For Memphis to avoid the play-in tournament, much less make some noise in the playoffs, the Grizzlies need its young duo to play highly impactful minutes.